Santa Cruz: Former San Jose man convicted in gang-related shooting

SANTA CRUZ -- A 25-year-old former San Jose man was convicted Monday of a Live Oak gang-related gun brandishing and shooting in 2012.

After a two-week trial, Johnny "Bam Bam" Joe Suarez was convicted of assault with a firearm, brandishing a firearm, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine. Suarez potentially faces more than 14 years of prison time.

According to a release from the Santa Cruz County District Attorney's Office, Suarez is said to have driven into a residential neighborhood on the 2100 block of 17th Avenue in Live Oak on Sept. 5, 2012, pointed a gun at two boys standing on a sidewalk and shouted gang slogans.

"Following this challenge, Suarez drove off and fired a single shot as he was leaving the area. The victims suffered no injuries," said Assistant District Attorney Charlie Baum in the release.

Suarez was a felon, stemming from a 2008 case in which he was given probation for unlawfully possessing a bulletproof vest, a "Saturday night special" firearm and gang graffiti, Baum said.

Sentencing in the hearing is scheduled before Santa Cruz County Superior Court Judge Steven Siegel on June 16.